11/10/2026
La Storia Chapter 5
Vittorio Bertoncini & Gina Contarino
Vittorio Bertoncini from Lucca / Gina Contarino from Southern Italy
Vittorio “Vic” was born on 3 March 1937 in Italy. He only attended school until fifth grade, leaving his education behind because he needed to work and help support his family.
At 20 years of age, Vic received a postcard from his brother Aldo telling him there was plenty of work in Australia. With courage and determination, Vic travelled by boat to Australia carrying little more than a suitcase, a bunch of bananas and £20 — money that was unfortunately stolen from him soon after his arrival.
Vic travelled to Brisbane to meet his brother before making his way north to Mossman. He stayed with the Fapani family, who sponsored him to remain in Australia. Vic began cutting cane by hand and lived in the cane barracks.
Always looking for an opportunity to build a better future, Vic saved his money and bought a second-hand truck. He began hauling cane for local farmers before eventually purchasing a larger truck. He later worked for Main Roads, travelling throughout North Queensland, including Normanton, Cooktown and Mossman.
Every day, Vic would visit Contarinos, a local milk bar, where he bought his box of matches and his favourite strawberry milkshake. It was there that he met Gina, the beautiful young woman who would become his wife.
Vic and Gina married in 1963. Their families initially disapproved of the relationship because Vic came from northern Italy while Gina’s family were from the south. Determined to be together, Vic and Gina eloped.
Together, they built an extraordinary life. They purchased and operated taxis for 32 years, while Vic also served three terms on the local council — 15 years in total — becoming the first immigrant to serve as a councillor.
Vic operated the mail run between Cairns and Mossman for six years and established a small-engine mechanic and mower business, servicing communities across Cooktown, Weipa, Cairns and Mossman.
Vic and Gina later took over Gina’s family business, Contarinos. Vic also established a local bus company, which he eventually sold to his brother, although he continued driving buses for many years.
Throughout his life, Vic faced many challenges. Since 2017, he has battled throat cancer and prostate cancer and suffered a fractured pelvis. Yet, true to his character, he kept going.
Vic worked hard his entire life, but he is the first to say that he could not have achieved it without his beautiful wife, Gina, by his side.
His words of wisdom are simple but powerful:
“Your future is created by what you do today.”
Vic has made a lasting contribution to Mossman — as a businessman, councillor, family man and proud Italian Australian. One of his proudest moments came in 2000, when he was selected as a torch runner for the Sydney Olympic Games in recognition of his contribution to the community.
Together, Vic and Gina are proud parents of three children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren — a family legacy that continues to grow.
From arriving in Australia with a suitcase, a bunch of bananas and £20, Vic built a life defined by hard work, courage, family and community.
His story is the story of an Italian migrant who helped build the North Queensland community he came to call home.
